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New York Rangers Report Cards Round Two: The Defense

By Garrett Gartino

Oct 17, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Rangers defenseman Adam Clendening (4) looks to pass the puck against the San Jose Sharks during the first period at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 17, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Rangers defenseman Adam Clendening (4) looks to pass the puck against the San Jose Sharks during the first period at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 19, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; New York Rangers defenseman Ryan McDonagh (27) takes a shot against the Toronto Maple Leafs at Air Canada Centre. New York defeated Toronto 5-3. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 19, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; New York Rangers defenseman Ryan McDonagh (27) takes a shot against the Toronto Maple Leafs at Air Canada Centre. New York defeated Toronto 5-3. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports /

Ryan McDonagh

Previous Grade: A

Oh captain, my captain, what would we do without you?

Ryan McDonagh’s name deserves to be mentioned among the elite defenseman in the NHL. Unfortunately for him, he’s been stuck with the task of babysitting a number of subpar defensive partners.

It is truly amazing the production that McDonagh has been able to maintain despite the detrimental play of Dan Girardi. Through 61 games this season, McDonagh has recorded three goals and 31 assists. He currently ranks second on the team in assists behind Mats Zuccarello.

As always, McDonagh leads the Rangers in ice-time, seeing 24:17 per game this season. He plays in every situation for head coach Alain Vigneault and is the team’s MVP on a nightly basis. If the Rangers ever unleash McDonagh from his saddle, he will prove that he can be a perennial Norris candidate.

New Grade: A+

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